Jesus replied, “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.”(Matthew 22:37 NLT)

This is the first Great Commandment.  Jesus gives this response when asked which commandment in the law is the greatest.  This verse calls for complete dedication to God using your entire being—emotions (heart), life force (soul), and intellect(mind).

Our emotions consist of happy, mad, glad, sad, fear, disgust, surprise, shame, guilt, pride, embarrassment, jealousy, envy, contempt, gratitude, anxiety, grief, awe, and boredom. God gave us these emotions.  They are neither good nor bad—they just are there.

In this scripture Jesus tells us, “You must love the LORD with all your heart”(emotions) this part of the verse is based on love and the emotions that emerge through love.  It represents your deepest desires, longings, and affections that are directed entirely toward God.  Your love of God.  How you feel about God.  Undeniable, unbelievable, indisputable—and love pours forth from you.

Then Jesus says, “with all your soul “which represent life itself.  To love God with all your soul means being willing to give your entire existence and living breath over to that love.  In biblical terms, the soul is where your deepest choices, intentions, and convictions are anchored.  It is the “you” that exists beneath your changing daily thoughts and emotions.

Finally, Jesus says, “and all your mind” which involves your intellect, understanding, and intent.  When emotions are aligned with the mind, it brings a sense of purposeful devotion, focus, and mental peace rather than chaotic or fleeting feelings.

This commandment becomes what you are, who you are and your love of God.  It shifts your focus from “self” and what you want to God and your love of God.  That is why it is the greatest commandment.  So, how would you describe your love of God in your life?  God Bless.  Amen.

denise